Super Retail Group has revealed the impact of COVID lockdowns in NSW, the ACT, Victoria and New Zealand on its brands in a trading update.
Its fashion brands Rebel and Macpac both experienced a 10% decline in like for like (LFL) sales growth for weeks one to 16 of FY22, when compared to FY21.
However, when comparing FY22 to FY20, Rebel's LFL sales growth was positive at 4%, while Macpac's remained down 10%.
Excluding the locked-down markets of NSW and Victoria, group LFL sales in the period were 6% lower than FY21, and 27% higher than FY20.
While stores were closed, online sales boomed, increasing by 96% and accounting for 30% of Group sales (year to date).
With significant backlog in the Australia Post system, SRG's click-and-collect method overtook home delivery in the period, growing 163%, representing 59% of online sales during the period.
SRG group MD and CEO Anthony Heraghty said the business was pleased with the performance of the online channel during the period.
"The Group's omni-retail business model has proven to be resilient during the first half and we are delighted with the strong online sales growth we have delivered.
"In FY22 year to date, we have maintained steady trading momentum, in non-COVID impacted regions and we are confident that we will see a rebound in sales as lockdowns end and stores re-open," he said.
According to the trading update, SRG is well positioned for the upcoming Black Friday/Cyber Monday and Christmas trading periods, with a strong inventory position across all four brands.
"The Group has a strong inventory position and is well placed to take advantage of the expected uplift in consumer demand in the auto, leisure and outdoor categories over the summer holiday period," Heraghty added.
"As COVID-19 restrictions ease, we are looking forward to helping our customers celebrate by providing them with all of the products they need to resume travelling, playing sport and enjoying the great outdoors," he said.
Other key points from the update include the ongoing challenges of freight and logistics costs and the impact these disruptions could have on future gross margin.
Additionally, SRG has begun its multi-year investment into customer loyalty and data and analytics capability.
This investment is set to impact operating expenses in the first half and beyond.